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Stitt announces transition team

Marc Nuttle, a Norman attorney with decades of experience in national Republican politics, will lead the transition team of Gov.-elect Kevin Stitt, who enters office in two months.

Nuttle, 69, formerly served as executive director of the National Republican Congressional Committee and was national campaign manager for televangelist Pat Robertson's presidential bid in 1988.

Stitt's campaign announced Nuttle as the transition team chairman on Tuesday, along with eight other individuals who will help the governor-elect hire senior staff and fill seven issue-centered advisory committees.

Nuttle said he would lead a transparent transition process that fits with Stitt's desire to change the structure of state government, including a focus on budget mechanics.

"We've got some problems in Oklahoma that have to be addressed in how we finance government at the county, city and school district (levels)," Nuttle said. "How do we get the money that we have to its most efficient use?"

On Tuesday, Stitt's transition team also announced the creation of seven committees focused on drafting policies related to education, economic growth, government efficiency, infrastructure, health, public safety and Native American partnerships.

The transition team is also working to fill some of Stitt's senior staff positions, which include chief of staff, general counsel and secretary of state, said Donelle Harder, Stitt's campaign spokeswoman, who is also serving on his transition team.

"Kevin really wants to create a team with diversity in thought and diversity in experience," Harder said.

Other transition team members include Lt. Gov.-elect Matt Pinnell; state Labor Commissioner Melissa Houston; Aamon Ross, Stitt's campaign manager; Sean Kouplen, CEO of Regent Bank in Tulsa; former state senator Mike Mazzei; Geoffrey Long, general counsel for the Stitt campaign; and Corbin McGuire, chairman of the Stitt campaign.

Ben Felder is an investigative reporter for The Oklahoman. A native of Kansas City, Ben has lived in Oklahoma City since 2010 and covered politics, education and local government for the Oklahoma Gazette before joining The Oklahoman in 2016....
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